Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira at Barbourfields Stadium
HIGHLANDERS turned Barbourfields into a cauldron of defiance yesterday, staging a comeback for the ages and winning 2-1 on penalties after a 2-2 draw with Scottland to storm into the Chibuku Super Cup semi-finals. The victory sets up a blockbuster showdown with their eternal rivals Dynamos.
It was an afternoon of shifting fortunes and raw belief. Scottland silenced the packed stands with two first half goals, but Bosso refused to let the dream die. They clawed back to level and then trusted their captain and veteran goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda to finish the job in the shoot out. Sibanda delivered with three inspired saves that ignited wild celebrations.
Scottland struck first after just eight minutes when Kingsley Mureremba, a late replacement for the ill Frederick Ansah Botchway, rifled home from distance. The visitors tightened their grip in the 33rd minute as Khama Billiat skipped past Aurthur Ndlovu and Andrew Mbeba before firing beyond Sibanda.
Four minutes later, Barbourfields roared back to life. Learnmore Muyambo rose highest to nod in from close range, giving Bosso fresh hope. From then on, Highlanders poured forward relentlessly. Prince Ndlovu, Martin Nhubu and Benjamin Odeogun all went close, while the home crowd kept faith.
The breakthrough finally came right on 90 minutes. Defender Andrew Mbeba surged into the box and lashed a precise shot past Talbert Shumba to make it 2-2 and force penalties.
The shoot out mirrored the drama of open play. Highlanders missed their first two kicks but held their nerve to convert the next two. Scottland only netted their opener and squandered the rest. Sibanda stayed composed, guessing right on three crucial strikes to seal a famous win.
Highlanders coach Pieter De Jongh hailed the comeback. “It was a game with two phases. In the first half, Scottland dictated. In the second, we were in control and pushed them back,” he said. “Big up to the fans, they came in their numbers and gave the team that extra push.”
Scottland coach Tonderai Ndiraya rued missed chances. “The goal to level was brilliant from Mbeba’s side but disappointing from us, five defenders were in position. We had the advantage in penalties, but our players were under pressure and couldn’t convert. Credit to Highlanders for showing character. I wish them the best as they face Dynamos in the next round. For us, it’s tough luck.”
Bosso now brace for a semi-final that revives one of Zimbabwean football’s fiercest rivalries. Dynamos, the defending champions, await in a fixture certain to electrify the nation.
Teams
Highlanders: A. Sibanda, A. Ndlovu, M. Hativagoni, A. Mbeba, M. Mushore (B. Mlotshwa 83), N. Rauzhi (T. Muvuti 83), L. Mutumbi (A. Nyondo 70), M. Nhubu (P. Ndlovu 46), L. Muyambo, B. Odeogun (D. Munkuli 46).
Scottland: T. Shumba, P. Mudhuwa, G. Murwira, R. Pfumbidzai, K. Mureremba, M. Msebe (M. Tapera 59), M. Chigumira, M. Chihweta (T. Dzvukamanja 59), V. Kawe (A. Manenji 79), M. Shidolo, K. Billiat (T. Machope 68).
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